RTM to switch on 2 channels

First web set to bow in December

KUALA LUMPUR — Pubcaster Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) will launch two new channels, one dedicated to sports and the other to international news and social affairs, after the government completes a pilot project on technical and cost studies.

The first channel is due to bow in December in the Klang Valley. The new webs won’t go out nationally until extra broadcasting equipment and a new transmitter are in place, says Information Minister Khalil Yaakob.

RTM already has two channels, the dominantly Malay-lingo TV1 and entertainment channel TV2, which shows more English-lingo programming. They are financed by a mix of advertising revenue and government funding.

Once the two new channels launch, TV1 may convert to a national news channel without advertising, possibly including some government propaganda.

Besides RTM, there are two private webs, TV3 and NTV7, and satcaster Astro, which compete for ads.